### Exciting NHL Matchups on December 31, 2025: Blue Jackets vs. Devils and Wild vs. Sharks As the NHL calendar year comes to a close, fans are treated to thrilling matchups on December 31, 2025. The Columbus Blue Jackets will face off against the New Jersey Devils, while the Minnesota Wild will take on the San Jose Sharks. Both games promise to be competitive, with significant implications for playoff positioning as teams look to secure valuable points. - The Blue Jackets (17-15-6) are coming off a solid 4-1 victory against the Ottawa Senators, while the Devils (20-17-2) are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 4-0 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs [https://thegamblertoledo.iheart.com/content/2025-12-31-blue-jackets-vs-devils-prediction-picks-dec-31]. - The Wild (24-10-6) aim to extend their impressive road winning streak against the Sharks (19-17-3), who are struggling to find consistency this season [https://statsalt.com/free-picks/nhl/minnesota-wild-vs-san-jose-sharks-prediction-and-picks-december-31-2025]. ### Breakdown of Key Matchups and Predictions 1. **Columbus Blue Jackets vs. New Jersey Devils** - **Current Form**: Blue Jackets are on a winning streak, while the Devils are looking to recover from a loss. - **Betting Odds**: Blue Jackets favored with a moneyline around -198, while the Devils are at +145 [https://picksandparlays.net/free-picks/nhl/minnesota-wild-vs-san-jose-sharks-picks-and-predictions-for-wednesday-december-31-2025]. - **Game Time**: Scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+ [https://espn1530.iheart.com/content/2025-12-31-blue-jackets-vs-devils-time-tv-live-stream-12312025]. 2. **Minnesota Wild vs. San Jose Sharks** - **Current Form**: Wild are riding a four-game road win streak, while the Sharks are looking to improve their home performance. - **Betting Odds**: Wild are favored at -198, indicating strong confidence in their performance [https://www.foxsports.com/articles/nhl/wild-vs-sharks-prediction-odds-picks-dec-31]. - **Game Time**: Set for 4 p.m. ET on ESPN+ [https://620kmns.iheart.com/content/2025-12-30-wild-vs-sharks-prediction-picks-dec-31]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Columbus Blue Jackets**: - Recent performance: 4-1 win against Ottawa. - Overall record: 17 wins, 15 losses, 6 overtime losses. - **New Jersey Devils**: - Recent performance: 0-4 loss to Toronto. - Overall record: 20 wins, 17 losses, 2 overtime losses. - **Minnesota Wild**: - Recent performance: 5-2 win against Vegas. - Overall record: 24 wins, 10 losses, 6 overtime losses. - **San Jose Sharks**: - Recent performance: Struggling to maintain consistency. - Overall record: 19 wins, 17 losses, 3 overtime losses [https://abc7news.com/post/wild-aim-keep-road-win-streak-going-game-sharks/18332535]. ### Conclusion: Anticipation for Year-End NHL Action In summary, the NHL matchups on December 31, 2025, feature two exciting games that could significantly impact playoff standings. 1. **Blue Jackets vs. Devils**: The Blue Jackets are favored to win, especially after their recent victory, while the Devils seek redemption. 2. **Wild vs. Sharks**: The Wild look to continue their road success against a Sharks team that needs to find its footing. Both games are set to provide thrilling hockey action as teams aim to end the year on a high note [https://www.foxsports.com/articles/nhl/blue-jackets-vs-devils-prediction-odds-picks-dec-31, https://sports1340.iheart.com/content/2025-12-31-avalanche-vs-blues-time-tv-live-stream-12312025].